Mink Frog (Rana septentrionalis)

County List:

Rule:

Forested or Mixed Forested/Nonforested Landscapes

1st alternative:
      (Lake or Pond or River)
   adjacent to:
      Marsh 1

2nd alternative:
      (Lake or Pond or River)
   adjacent to:
      Bog
   adjacent :
      Marsh 1

Habitat List:

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Literature:

Mink frogs occur in ponds, bogs, and lakes, and along slow-moving streams or backwaters. They prefer waters with abundant emergent vegetation such as lily pads and pickerel week, or cool, boggy places near lake inlets and outlets. They usually stay in or near water and are wary and difficult to approach. Permanent water is required for mink frog reproduction.

Mink frogs eat a variety of insects and other invertebrates many of which are aquatic species.

Habitat: At the edges of northern lakes and ponds, cold springs, inlets where cold streams enter ponds and stream edges. Prefers open water with abundant lily pads. Sometimes found in northern bogs.

Special Habitat Requirements: Breeds and hibernates only in permanent water. Prefers lily pads in open water for basking and foraging.

Habitat: Mink frogs are almost exclusively aquatic, venturing on land only during or immediately after a heavy rainfall. They desiccate easily compared with other frogs of Maine, so they cannot tolerate even semi-damp conditions. Mink frogs use a variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, and streams. Because mink frogs hide and hunt among vegetation far from shore they prefer shallow water with abundant emergent vegetation, especially floating lily pads and pickerel weeds. If disturbed, mink frogs dive underwater and conceal themselves in submerged vegetation or bottom mud. Mink frogs hibernate in the bottom mud of permanent bodies of water.